DE69818504T2 - AUTOMATIC THREAT ASSESSMENT AND KNOWLEDGE ASSIGNMENT OF WEAPONS - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to automatic threat assessment and weapon allocation systems and in particular a system that knowledge databases or expert system techniques in the solution integrated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automatic threat assessment and Weapon assignment (TEWA) is traditionally done on the following representative Wise. If an unassigned enemy enters the system, will a threat index is calculated. The threat index evaluates that Enemy object in terms of defense areas and it will when a threshold is reached, an interception test calculation (TIC) triggered. There can be multiple areas of defense or the entire country can be considered a big one Defense area. The TIC performed usually chooses a list of weapons resources (e.g. interceptors and surface-to-air missiles (SAM)) and recommends a set of weapons, in the order of the shortest Interception times to attack the target. That through the TIC processing dissolved Interception problem is the time-space problem, target and weapon on the same Place point in time and space. After performing a TIC based on a goal no longer becomes the goal as a threat judged because the operator was given a recommendation, and the automatic TEWA processing for the target is ended.

This traditional process has however disadvantages and in particular does not address several problems. If information about then the target (such as type and armament) are known this information is not used by TIC processing. The TIC recommends solutions in terms of the shortest Interception time independent by target type or defense weapon type. It is therefore possible to use an interceptor to recommend an armament that has practically no chance that Destroy target. It would be desirable, To pair targets with the type of defense weapon that the target probably destroy become.

If multiple enemy objects in the System has intruded, then TIC processing is taken into account the multi-goal problem is not. That is, TICs are sequential Aim for Goal accomplished. So the TIC can recommend a weapon to intercept target number 1, although this weapon for Goal number 2 would be most effective. Would be in such a situation it is desirable recommend a weapon against target number 2.

Another problem is that one conventional automatic threat assessment does not take target maneuvers into account. As a result, the TIC may hit when completed if the target has maneuvered no longer towards the target. In addition, the goal is after completion a TIC no longer for automatic threat assessment processing is suitable. This is undesirable in the event of a failed interception attempt.

SUMMARY THE INVENTION

• (i) Bereitstellen einer Datenbank möglicher mobiler Zieltypen, wobei die genannte Datenbank für jeden Zieltyp einen Satz von bestimmten Waffentypen nach Priorität geordnet aufweist, wobei den Zieltypen ein Prioritätsrang zugeordnet wird;
• (ii) Bereitstellen einer Zieltabelle von Zielen, die in einem geschützten Bereich erfasst werden;
• (iii) Auswählen eines erfassten Ziels in der Zieltabelle mit einem höchsten Prioritätsrang;
• (iv) Durchführen eines automatischen Waffenzuweisungsprozesses an dem gewählten Ziel, wobei der Prozess das Auswählen einer verfügbaren Waffe für den Gebrauch gegen das Ziel gemäß der Prioritätsanordnung beinhaltet, und Durchführen einer Abfangversuchsberechnung an dem Ziel unter Verwendung der gewählten Waffe, und Ermitteln, ob das gewählte Ziel von der gewählten Waffe neutralisiert wurde, Auswählen einer anderen verfügbaren Waffe für den Gebrauch gegen das Ziel gemäß der Prioritätsanordnung, und Durchführen einer Abfangversuchsberechnung an dem gewählten Ziel unter Verwendung der nächsten verfügbaren Waffe.

A method for automatically assigning weapons is described, which in an exemplary embodiment comprises the following steps:

• (i) providing a database of possible mobile target types, said database having a set of specific weapon types in order of priority for each target type, the priority types being assigned a priority rank;
• (ii) providing a target table of targets captured in a protected area;
• (iii) selecting a captured target in the target table with a highest priority rank;
• (iv) performing an automatic weapon assignment process on the selected target, the process including selecting an available weapon for use against the target according to the priority order, and performing an intercept attempt calculation on the target using the selected weapon, and determining whether the selected one Target has been neutralized by the selected weapon, selecting another available weapon for use against the target according to the priority order, and performing an intercept attempt calculation on the selected target using the next available weapon.

The method can also include the step of adding newly recorded targets in the protected area to the table as well as removing goals from the table, who have been neutralized or who have left the protected area.

According to another aspect of Invention becomes the protected Area divided into defense zones, and separate target tables and zone target priority knowledge bases getting guided and used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

These and other features and Advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed Description of an exemplary embodiment understandable thereof, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1 and 2 the first and second stages of a TEWA problem;

3 a zone target priority database according to the invention;

4 a target / weapon pairing knowledge base according to the invention;

5 a simplified flow diagram illustrating an automatic TEWA algorithm according to the invention;

6 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the target control processing step of the algorithm of FIG 5 illustrated;

7 an exemplary zone target table according to the invention;

8th a flowchart showing the automatic TEWA trial processing step of the algorithm of 5 illustrated;

9 a flowchart of the automatic TEWA interception test calculation step (TIC), which the method of 8th includes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED STRUCTURE

The TEWA process is according to one Aspect of the invention divided into two stages. The first stage assesses threats as they approach national borders. The second stage begins after the threat penetrates you defined set of defense zones. If the target identification knowledge Includes target type and armament, then this will be automatic TEWA solution incorporated. If the threat involves multiple targets, then the whole Set of goals considered. Events such as B. target maneuvers, Identity change failed attempts to intercept and effective attacks are according to one Another aspect of the invention is also taken into account.

First stage 1 illustrates the first stage. After identifying an enemy lane, if the lane is outside national borders or defense zones, a threat index is calculated to assess the threat. The index looks at track speed, direction, altitude and other known reinforcement information such as wing size, aircraft type, armament or missile type. In 1 has the national area 10 several enemy tracks 12A - 12D at its limits. track 12A is considered a low threat, 12B as a high threat, 12C as no threat and 12D classified as a medium-sized threat.

Second step 2 illustrates the second stage. When a threat enters a defense zone, it becomes a target. In the example of 2 is the enemy trail 12E in defense zone 2 of the national area 10 penetrated. An interception test calculation (TIC) for the target is carried out automatically 12E , The TIC uses the weapon resources assigned to the zone and uses a zone target priority knowledge base and a target / weapon pairing knowledge base (described below) to select the best weapon available to neutralize the target. The result of the TIC is a weapon recommendation to the weapon controller. If the recommended weapon is a SAM such as B. the SAM 14 If the system is in an automatic SAM attack mode, an impending attack between the target and the selected SAM launch unit is generated. After a time delay, if no operator intervention takes place, the attack command is automatically sent to the launch unit.

Defense zones Defense zones are described with convex polygons. They can be within national borders or go beyond national borders. For example, shows 2 defense zones 1 - 4 , Weapon resources for zone defense are assigned to each defense zone. Weapons can include, for example, SAM positions, aircraft ready for alarm at designated air combat patrol sites (CAP) or squadrons at designated air bases. A zone target priority knowledge base is also associated with each zone.

Zone Target Priority Knowledge Base This database contains all known possible targets, including an unknown category and a priority ranking associated with each defense zone. 3 shows an exemplary database 20 , The assigned priorities may vary depending on the zone. This can take into account the possibility that a target (e.g. a specific type or with a specific armament) in one or the other zone can be more threatening or more effective against target objects. When a threat or multiple threat enters a zone, the assigned priority indicates the order in which trial processing and, consequently, weapon resources are assigned to each threat in TIC processing. For example, the first target type in the table is from 3 a MIG X-L3, where MIG X indicates an aircraft type and L3 a specific armament type. This target type is for Zone 1 priority 2 , for zone 2 priority 1 and for the zones 3 and 4 no priority assigned. A plane MIG Y is used for zone 1 priority 1 , for zone 2 priority 2 and for the zones 3 and 4 no priority assigned. A HELO Z representing a helicopter type receives for zones 1 and 2 priority 3 and for zones 3 and 4 not a priority. The unknown destination gets for zone 1 priority 3 , for zone 2 priority 3 and for the zones 3 and 4 not a priority.

Target / Weapon Pairing Knowledge Base This database pairs each weapon resource by priority with each expected target type. This pair represents the best weapon resource that can be used against the target type. 4 illustrates an exemplary target / weapon pairing knowledge base 30 , In the first line of 4 is the target type MIG X-L3, the most effective weapon against this target is the F16-Ll, the next most effective weapon is the F16-L2, and the last priority is an IHawk. 16 represents an interceptor type, L1 and L2 indicate the armament types. The IHAWK can represent a SAM type. Interceptor and SAM types are also assigned priority ranks for each of the other target types. This knowledge is used in TIC processing.

• 1. Eine neue unanvisierte Bedrohung dringt in die Zone ein;
• 2. Der Operator fordert eine automatische Versuchsverarbeitung an dem Ziel an;
• 3. Ein Ziel in der Zone wird nicht mehr anvisiert (SAM hat den Angriff abgebrochen, erfolgloses Abfangmanöver und Operator visiert jetzt ein anderes Ziel an oder kehrt zum Stützpunkt zurück).

Auto TEWA algorithm 5 shows an exemplary automatic TEWA algorithm 100 , This algorithm includes the zone target priority knowledge base and the target / weapon pairing knowledge base for selecting the target with the highest priority from all targets in a zone and for pairing the target with the best weapon resource available for the zone. The algorithm examines all targets in a zone and takes target squadrons into account. If targets are no longer targeted due to unsuccessful interception or ineffective SAM attacks, then new interception attempts are automatically calculated for the targets. The automatic TEWA algorithm includes the target control process 110 and the Auto-Tewa trial process 120 , This is how the Auto-TEWA algorithm begins in a general overarching sense 100 at step 102 and then goes to target control 110 to update the zone target table. (The target tax process is discussed in more detail below with reference to 6 If all target tables are determined to be empty (step 112 ), then the algorithm stops. If not all target tables are empty, then processing goes to the Auto-TEWA trial process (step 120 ) and then branches off to step 112 , (The process 120 is discussed in more detail below with reference to 9 Target control The target control processing 110 creates and updates the zone target table ( 7 ) and is in 6 shown. This process takes into account events that result in tracks being added to or removed from the table. Targets become the zone target table (steps 110A . 110B ) added in the following cases:

• 1. A new untargeted threat enters the zone;
• 2. The operator requests automatic attempt processing at the target;
• 3. A target in the zone is no longer targeted (SAM canceled the attack, unsuccessful interception and operator now targets another target or returns to the base).

• 1. Das Ziel wird bereits anvisiert;
• 2. Die Waffen wurden anhand des gesamten Zielgeschwaders empfohlen;
• 3. Operator fordert Herausnahme an;
• 4. Ziel wird als Freund identifiziert;
• 5. Ziel verlässt die Zone (in diesem Fall wird es, wenn es in eine andere Zone eindringt, zur Tabelle dieser Zone hinzugefügt);
• 6. Ziel wird neutralisiert oder fallengelassen.

Targets are removed from the zone target table in the following cases (steps 110C . 110D ):

• 1. The target is already being targeted;
• 2. The weapons were recommended based on the entire target squadron;
• 3. Operator requests removal;
• 4. Target is identified as a friend;
• 5. The target leaves the zone (in this case, if it penetrates another zone, it is added to the table of this zone);
• 6. Target is neutralized or dropped.

The zone target table is then rearranged in priority (step 110E ) when the type is modified for a target in the table. For example, if a MIG X-L3 is updated to a MIG Y or an unknown target is identified.

Zone Target Table 7 shows an exemplary zone target table 40 , This table is constructed and updated for each defense zone. When threats enter a zone, they are automatically added to the table and prioritized. This table defines the target order for TIC processing and the weapon assignment to be used to assign the best weapon based on the target with the highest priority. For example, the first row of Table 40 lists the target type (MIG X-L3), the priority weapon types (first priority is F16-Li, second F16-L2, third IHAWK etc.) and the target priority for the respective zone, in this case zone 4 (second priority). All possible target types are listed in this table.

Operator requirements An operator can request a target for a number of different reasons for one automatic TEWA processing comes into question or comes into question again comes. For example, when an attempt at a goal is completed and a weapon was recommended (for the entire squadron), then the trial processing will stop trying on the Carry out goal. However, the target can begin to maneuver and the recommended weapon for make the target ineffective. After a target maneuver, through the monitoring function a target maneuvering warning is recorded for the Target shown. The operator can request an automatic TEWA performed on the target becomes.

Auto-TEWA trial processing The Auto-TEWA trial processing 120 initiates TIC processing for each target in the zone target table. This takes place in all defense zones. 8th illustrates this processing. Processing begins with step 120A , a decision block about whether all zones have been processed. If so, then processing in step 120B stopped. If not all zones have been processed, then a zone will be in step 120C selected. If the target table for that zone is empty, then processing loops back to step 120A. If the target table for the selected zone is not empty, then in step 120E the target with the highest priority for this zone based on the zone target priority knowledge base of 3 is selected, and the Auto TEWA TIC control process is in step 120F performed (with reference to 9 described in more detail). After completing the process 120F returns processing from step 120G to step 120E back if not all targets in the selected zone are processed, or it returns to step 120A when all targets are processed.

• 1. Eine SAM-Stellung bricht einen Angriff auf ein Ziel ab und meldet Bereitschaft;
• 2. Ein Waffencontroller lenkt einen Einsatz von einer Abfangmission auf eine Luftpatrouillenkampfmission um;
• 4. Die Waffenverfügbarkeit an einem Luftwaffenstützpunkt wird beispielsweise so aktualisiert, dass sie reflektiert, dass zusätzliche Luftfahrzeuge verfügbar sind.

Auto TEWA TIC Control Auto TEWA TIC Control (step 120F) performs the actual intercept attempt calculations after selecting the highest priority destination, as shown in the flowchart of 9 is illustrated. The actual trial calculations use the prioritized weapon resources from the zone target table and calculate whether the weapon can intercept the target. Processing pairs a weapon with each member of the target squadron. If there are not enough weapons of one type available, the algorithm examines the weapon with the next highest priority. The process continues until all members of the squadron have been taken into account (neutralized). If a squadron can only be partially neutralized, then the operator is given a disregarded (squadron not neutralized) warning along with the weapon recommendations for successful interception solutions. If no interception solution is found, the operator is informed of this by the 'impossible attempt' alarm. The target remains in the table and will be re-examined when weapon resources become available. Weapon resources become available in the following ways:

• 1. A SAM position aborts an attack on a target and signals readiness;
• 2. A weapons controller redirects a mission from an interception mission to an air patrol mission;
• 4. For example, weapon availability at an air base is updated to reflect that additional aircraft are available.

According to 9 will step in 132 the weapon with the next highest priority for the selected target based on the target / weapon pairing knowledge base of 4 selected. If the weapon is not available (step 134 ) and if not all weapons have been examined (step 136 ), then the process goes back to step 132 to select the weapon with the next highest priority. When all weapons have been examined (step 136 ), then the process goes to step 138 , If no solutions are found here, then an "Attempt impossible alarm" is issued (step 140 ) and processing stops. If a solution has been found, the weapon operator will step in 146 a "Solutions / Squadron Not Neutralized" warning is displayed and processing stops. If in step 134 the selected weapon is available, then an interception test calculation is carried out for this weapon based on the selected target. If (step 144 ) the TIC leads to a neutralization of the target wing, then the process goes to step 146 , If the target squadron is not neutralized by the TIC, then the process goes back to step 136 to determine if other weapons are available.

• 1. Zweistufige Bedrohungsbeurteilung;
• 2. Wenn Zielidentifikation und Bewaffnung bekannt sind, fängt die Waffe mit der höchsten Priorität das Ziel ab;
• 3. Neubeurteilung im Falle von misslungenen Abfangversuchen;
• 4. Neubeurteilung im Falle eines Zielmanövers;
• 5. Lösung des Mehrzielproblems.

The Auto-TEWA method according to the invention enables the following:

• 1. Two-stage threat assessment;
• 2. If target identification and armament are known, the weapon with the highest priority intercepts the target;
• 3. reassessment in the event of failed interception attempts;
• 4. reassessment in the event of a target maneuver;
• 5. Solving the multi-goal problem.

The target / weapon pairing knowledge database is defined the most effective weapon with the highest Priority, to counter expected threats. This pairing is based only on the effectiveness of the weapon against a target. All weapons that Destroy target can, are in a priority order for the Arranged goal. Some weapons may be against different ones Goals are equally effective and the priority of some goals may vary the defense zone vary. For these reasons, the Zone Target Priority Knowledge Base introduced. The Auto-TEWA algorithm processes targets according to a priority order. This ensures that the best available Weapon aimed at the highest priority is paired.

Claims (6)

Procedure for automatic allocation of weapons, comprising the following steps: (i) Provide a database potential mobile target types, said database for each named Target type is a set of certain weapon types ordered by priority having a priority rank assigned to said target types; (Ii) Provide a target table of targets that are in a protected area be captured; (iii) Select a detected target in said target table with a highest priority rank; and (iv) Perform an automatic weapon assignment process at the selected destination, whereby the process called selecting of an available Weapon type for use against the stated objective in accordance with the stated priority order includes; Carry out an interception test calculation at the named target using of the chosen one Type of weapon; and determining whether said selected destination is from said selected Weapon type has been neutralized, selecting a different weapon type available for use against the named goal according to the named Priority arrangement and performing one Interception test calculation using the selected destination mentioned of the other available mentioned Weapon type. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of adding newly recorded targets in the protected area mentioned to the named Table and removing targets from said table, which have been neutralized or the protected area mentioned have left. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein said mobile targets are aerial targets. Procedure for automatic allocation of weapons, comprising the following steps: a) Subdivision of a protected area in a plurality of defense zones; b) for each named Defense Zone Provide a Zone Target Priority knowledge base potential mobile target types, said zone database for everyone Target type is a set of specific weapon types in a priority order includes, with a priority rank assigned to the named target types becomes; c) for each named defense zone providing a target table of goals that pose a threat to the represent said zone; d) selecting a defense zone; e) for the elected Select Defense Zone of a target from the corresponding zone target table mentioned a highest Priority ranking; f) Carry out an automatic weapon assignment process at the selected destination, whereby the process called selecting one available Weapon for use against the stated objective in accordance with the stated priority order in the named zone target priority knowledge base for the selected zone includes; Carry out an interception test calculation at the named target using of the named chosen Weapon; Determine whether the named destination is different from the named one selected Weapon has been neutralized, select another available Weapon for use against the stated objective in accordance with the stated priority order, and performing an interception test calculation at the selected destination mentioned using said other weapon available; g) Repeat steps (e) and (f) for each target in the specified zone target table; and h) Repeat steps (e), (f) and (g) for each zone until all zones are processed. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of adding newly acquired targets that pose a threat to a defense zone, to a corresponding zone target table, and removing Aim from a zone target table that has been neutralized or who have left the zone. A method according to claim 4 or claim 5, in which the mobile targets mentioned are aerial targets.